Orlando on a Thursday

Changes and separations in a young child’s life are less worrisome with the help of playful rituals in this sweet, reassuring picture book.

Everything is an adventure when Orlando and his mommy spend the day together: drawing a picture, taking a walk, even having a snack. Then comes Thursday —the day Mami has to be busy in town. Remembering this makes Orlando sad, until Papi reminds him about all the super, super things that can happen when they’re together on a Thursday! Emma Magenta’s gently quirky narrative and fresh, charmingly naïve illustrations evoke a true toddler sensibility, while weaving a cocoon of love and security around young Orlando in a story as comforting as a mug of warm, frothy milk.Emma Magenta is the illustrator of actress (and fellow Australian) Toni Collette’s picture book for children, Planet Yawn. She is also the author-illustrator of three picture books for adults. Orlando on a Thursday was inspired by the daily happenings with her son, Orlando, and her husband, who have since been joined by a new baby. She lives in Sydney, Australia.